Philoptochos Society – Panagia Chapter
WHAT IS PHILOPTOCHOS?
The word Philoptochos translates to “friend of the poor.” The purpose of Philoptochos is simply to help the Church in its ministries. Philoptochos is an organization of women who enjoy the fellowship and spiritual enrichment of working together in Christian philanthropies.
The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society today is made up of over 26,000 members in the United States and Canada. There are three levels of Philoptochos: local parish chapters, regional diocese boards and a national board. While parish chapters work in their own Churches and local communities, the diocese and national boards undertake projects that have a broader impact regionally and nationally.
Mission Statement
The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Inc., is the duly accredited women’s philanthropic society of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. The mission of the Society shall be:
To aid the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the aged, the sick, the unemployed, the orphaned, the imprisoned, the widowed, the handicapped, the victims of disasters, to undertake the burial of impoverished persons and to offer assistance to anyone who may need the help of the Church through fund raising efforts; and
To promote the charitable, benevolent, and philanthropic purposes of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, through instructional programs, presentations, lectures, seminars and other educational resources;
To preserve and perpetuate Orthodox Christian concepts and the Orthodox Christian Family, and through them, to promote the Greek Orthodox Faith and traditions, in accordance with its doctrines, canons, discipline, divine worship, usages and customs;
To promote participation in the activities of the Greek Orthodox community, with the cooperation of the Parish Priest and the Parish Council.
The charitable work of the Society shall be performed with discretion, courtesy and kindness.
HOW CAN WOMEN BECOME MEMBERS?
Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation… I TIMOTHY 6:18
Come to our meetings and join in the fellowship. To become pledged members, women must make an annual stewardship commitment to our chapter. A short pledge form is attached for this purpose.
WHAT IS A STEWARDSHIP COMMITMENT?
Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God which He has given you. DEUTERONOMY 16:17
A stewardship commitment is a pledge of time, talent and resources. It is an annual commitment based on each individual’s ability and willingness to give at her particular level of spiritual growth. A commitment of time and talent is given by signing up for one of our ministry projects. A commitment of resources is done by filling out the attached pledge form.
IS THERE A FIXED OR SUGGESTED MINIMUM PLEDGE OF FINANCIAL RESOURCES?
For everyone to whom much is given, of him, will much be required… LUKE 12:48
No, nor is there a maximum. For each pledged member a chapter sends $15/member to National Philoptochos and $10/member to the Metropolis of Atlanta Philoptochos. These funds support ministries that can and do benefit our own members and their families. The remaining pledge dollars are used as the operating base to finance our local and national ministries.
WHY CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP? WHY PHILOPTOCHOS?
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, have abundance for every good work. 2 CORINTHIANS 9:8
God promises that when we give, He gives in return. As we continue to sacrifice and to give, God continues to replenish and renew us. The more we give of our time, of our talents, of our resources to honor and glorify Him, the more He gives to us. It is a beautiful, endless cycle! We invite you to join this cycle and become “Hand in Hand” for Christ.
Prayer by Metropolitan Philaret of Moscow
Lord, grant me to greet the coming day in peace.
Help me in all things to rely upon your holy will.
In every hour of the day reveal your will to me.
Bless my dealings with all who surround me.
Teach me to treat all who come to me throughout the day with peace of soul and firm conviction that your will governs all.
In all my words and deeds, guide my thoughts and feelings.
In unforeseen events let me not forget that all things are under your care.
Teach me to act firmly and wisely without embittering or embarrassing others.
Help me to bear the fatigue of the coming day.
Direct my will.
Teach me to pray.
Pray yourself in me.
Amen.
Board of Directors 2017-2019
President: Patricia Koutouzis
1st VP: Dorothy Macris
2nd VP: Peggy Dunkerly
Treasurer: Isabelle Dymond
Asst. Treasurer: Annette Jacobs
Recording Sec.: Stephanie Gianaris
Corres. Sec.: Christy Macris-Bell
Advisor: Linda Lopos
Board Members:
Dorothy Botni
Athena Burke
Marty Driscoll
Leslie Hansard
Niki Gess
Ioanna Michaels
Eleni Nikolas
Standing Committees:
Membership: Evelyn Bilson and Dorothy Macris
Social Services: Dorothy Macris (Chair), Marty Driscoll, Niki Gess, Patricia Koutouzis, Linda Lopos, Christine Sprouse, Fr. Panayiotis
Sunshine/cards: Niki Gess
Sunshine/40 day: Patricia Koutouzis
Sunshine/Visitation: Niki Gess, Athena Burke, Marty Driscoll
Soup Kitchen: Athena Burke
Special Committee:
Bookstore: Marty Driscoll, Stephanie Gianaris and Paula Rogers
Some of our Philoptochos activities include:
Vasilopita
Membership Luncheon
Godparent’s Luncheon
Preparing the Epitaphion for Holy Friday
Easter Egg Dyeing
Summer Send Off Luncheon
Welcome Back Luncheon
Fall Fundraiser
St. Nicholas Christmas Market
Christmas Party
Greek Dance Lessons
Book Club
Soup Kitchen
Meetings with Featured Speakers
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